Increase in alien planet species in Europe
The number of alien plant species in Europe has more than tripled
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Thursday, 18, Sep 2008 12:25
The number of alien plant species in Europe has more than tripled over the last 25 years, scientists have said.
A new study published in the journal Preslia today looked at data from 48 European countries and regions and classified 5,789 plant species as being alien to the continent.
In 1980, there were only 1,568 alien species registered in Europe, 580 of which came from outside Europe.
According to today's report, around six new plant species arrive each year on average. And scientists warm that those new species which bring long-term changes to ecosystems represent one of the greatest threats to biodiversity.
The highest numbers of alien plan species were reported in Belgium, the UK and the Czech Republic. The greatest numbers of naturalised aliens - new species that have been able to establish stable populations – were found in the UK, Germany and Belgium.
Among the most widespread of the new plant species are Canadian fleabane (Conyza canadensis), Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) and black locust or false acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia), all of which originated in North America.
The authors of today's report claim that more than three-quarters of all new plant species have been brought into Europe unintentionally.